Taylor fears axe

Maik Taylor admits he is desperate to keep his place in Fulham's starting line-up for Saturday's FA Cup fourth-round clash with York.

The Northern Ireland international has so far played in every cup game this season, but as the competition progresses the pressure to bring back Edwin van der Sar is bound to increase.

Taylor hopes to face York on Saturday, but he was involved with the reserves last night as well and said: "It's been good to play in the cup games. The manager promised me the Worthington Cup matches but it was a nice surprise to play in the FA Cup as well.

"I think the manager is just keeping my morale up by giving me the odd game here and there. But I always know Edwin will be back for the next game.

"It's very frustrating of course and I can't hide the fact that I'm disappointed. But I've had a good chat with the manager and we'll review it at the end of the season."

Meanwhile Taylor has received a boost after being called up to the Northern Ireland International sqaud to face Poland (in Cyprus) on Wednesday 13th February.